Distracted driving has been a matter of concern ever since the first automobiles rolled off the assembly line. In the early 1900s, when windshield wipers were first introduced on American cars, some worried that they would lull drivers into a daze.
In the 1930s, state legislators attempted to restrict the installation of car radios on the grounds that they could distract drivers and lead to crashes. Today, with text messages, social media notifications and talking GPS apps, it’s no surprise that mobile devices have become synonymous with distracted driving.
Statistics show that in 2018, roughly 8% of all fatal crashes involved distracted drivers. Of those distracted driving fatalities, 13% involved a cell phone. That means 87% of distracted driving fatalities didn’t involve a phone!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main types of distractions while driving:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that distracted driving led to the deaths of 3,142 people in 2019 and the injury of many more people on roads in the United States. In the vast majority of these cases, the distraction was completely avoidable. Here are the nine common distractions:
Some of these distractions can be difficult to avoid. After all, it’s not like you’re going to go on a four-hour road trip and not talk to your passengers. In situations like this, it’s helpful to find ways to minimize the impact of distractions.
One of the safest ways to keep yourself from becoming a distracted driver is to manage non-driving tasks before you get on the road. Eating, drinking, programming your GPS or assisting passengers can be safer if done while parked.
Passengers can be distracting. This is one of the reasons why most states passed graduated driver licensing laws restricting teens from having passengers in the car during their first year of driving. Letting your passengers help you with tasks —like answering the phone or adjusting the radio —can help you remain more focused on driving.
If children are in the car, be sure to pull over to a safe spot before tending to their needs. Don’t turn to reach into the back seat while driving or at a stop light.
Hands-free technology like a Bluetooth headset or integrated system can still take your mind off the road. Phone conversations may impair your ability to recognize and respond to something or someone on the road—even if you’re looking at it—because your attention is elsewhere.
The safest option for you, your passengers, pedestrians and those in other vehicles is to only use your phone when you’re not on the road.
Consider the time of day you decide to drive. The NHTSA estimates 71,000 annual drowsy driving injuries. If you can avoid drowsy driving, a common safety issue late at night, you can improve the odds of arriving at your destination safely.
Download and print your certificate and commit to taking the safety measures necessary to avoid distractions while driving.
A buzz from your phone that a text, email or social network notification is fresh and waiting can be a big temptation. Some phones and apps help you avoid distracted driving from the start by blocking notifications or limiting phone features. These features can even be used to monitor driving of a family member, such as a new teen. Here are a few top options to get started:
Use care when accessing in-car systems while on the road. Some systems prevent use while moving. This is one of many technologies aimed to improve your safety on the road.
Experienced drivers often believe that they can manage distractions while driving better than novice drivers. But driver distraction is present among drivers of all ages. Education on how to prevent distracted driving is imperative. While drivers under age 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), distracted driving dangers transcend all ages.
Of distracted driving crashes, only 9% came from people under 20 years old, according to the NCSA study. Adults 40 and above were responsible for 46% of distracted driving wrecks. Don’t let the number of years you have behind the wheel lead you to believe that you’re immune to distraction while driving. Experience is no substitute for safe driving habits. It’s important though to talk to the young drivers in your life about the possible distractions on the road before they get their license.
The technology that helps contribute to a safer driving experience is always improving. Safer driving leads to fewer claims and lower auto insurance costs. That’s a big win for any driver. Auto manufacturers are making crash avoidance technologies, such as blind spot warning and collision avoidance systems, common in new vehicles. In fact, back-up cameras are required to be in all new lightweight vehicles.
Traffic engineers are employing roundabouts, red light cameras and road condition warnings to make driving safer. But regardless of emerging technology, policies and processes, there’s no replacement for focused, alert driving.
If you find yourself stuck in a traffic jam, follow best practices to avoid a fender bender. And regardless of how long you’ve been driving, stay focused on safe practices like defensive driving and avoiding road rage.
Some of the biggest dangers we face on the road come from inside the cabin of our own vehicle. As all roads will have hazards, all commutes will have their share of distractions. Although these can’t always be avoided, at least the negative effects may be reduced through careful consideration and planning.
Also keep in mind that distracted driving may be a criminal offense depending on the distracted driving laws in the state you live in. If a police officer catches a glimpse of you looking at your phone while on the road, they can often pull you over and issue a citation. That can lead to higher insurance premiums plus the cost of the ticket itself.
If you have any tips for avoiding distracted driving, please share them with readers to help keep us all safer while out on the road.
